How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

Watching a television show with the girl who is the daughter of one of the Mama's and the Papas. I was skeptical of the entire process and felt it was for those without any willpower.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

I am very thankful for my insurance and physicians referrals. I do not have any advice since I did not have any problems.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

The initial group meeting was very informative. It was good to see people who were not willing to make any lifestyle changes and were resisting the doctor even at the initial meeting. People need to do a lot of educational reading before going to see the doctor to be able to ask educated questions.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

After being with friends who are not following the doctors orders and look terrible, it was refreshing to meet people who are following the guidelines and are actually healthy and living the life they were meant to live.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

Reading the success rates on the RNY

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

You will probably die anyway from being so morbidly obese. Take responsibility for your actions and live the life you want. Not many people have the opportunity to have this surgery...don't waste it.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My husband and friends have been very supportive. My family on the other hand have been extremely negative and only speak of the negative. I probably would have never said anything to my family. They offer no support what-so-ever.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I did not tell my supervisor for fears that she would complicate my leaving for the surgery. I was out for 6 weeks.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

My hospital stay was the best ever. I was only there overnight. Just bring a toothbrush and wear the loosest clothing you own. Being in the hospital gown is more than enough.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

I did not have any complications.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Questioning myself if this was really the best option for me was a constant, but after analyzing all the failed attempts and how I really felt about the type of life I wanted for myself, it was easy to decide what was best for me and not anyone else.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

Oh, feeling tired is a constant. I didn't think that it would happen to me. I want to do so much more, but I find myself just wanting to rest after doing a physical activity.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

Approx. 40 miles. It didn't have any affect on my aftercare.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

It seems like I can eat almost anything. I am fearful that I am eating too much. I read that people may be able to eat just a few bites and feel full, but that hasn't been an issue with me. It is rare if I feel full. I can drink water just as almost before the surgery.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

The first 4 weeks were very limited. I am now just starting to get some energy back. I have pain in my coccyx that limits my time being able to sit.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I have been religious about taking the multivitamin, B-1, b-12, calcium, omega-3, biotin...

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

No side effects as of yet.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

Dealing with mentally unstable people in the support group who have too many issues and need to be in a psychiatric support group instead.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

I attend the support group for Kaiser in Modesto. I wish that we would have a support group only for people who have had the surgery only. Most people the the current group are those who have not had the surgery.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

Very minimal. I thought they would have been larger.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I think that my plateau is based on my serving sizes and I need to speak with my nutritionist support and guidance.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

More eye contact is being made and less snide remarks are made.